Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a rare and highly valuable gem variety from the Chrysoberyl mineral family that displays a sharp change-of-color from blue-green in daylight to red/purplish red or brownish red in the artificial yellow light. In western astrology, it is regarded as the June month birthstone and is majorly worn for healing and jewellery purposes.

Who Should Wear Alexandrite Gemstone?

Often described as ‘Emerald by day and Ruby by night’, Alexandrite is an extraordinary color-changing gemstone. Although Alexandrite is considered as a new gem variety, the mystical allure and immense rarity have made this gemstone highly sought-after amongst the collectors and gemstone jewelry lovers.

Western astrology prescribes Alexandrite birthstone for people born in June or under Cancer sign.

Ascendants of Leo, Gemini, Taurus and Virgo can also wear a natural Alexandrite stone.

It is also regarded as the gem for 55th wedding anniversary and serves as a perfect anniversary gift.

Due to its high durability (Alexandrite Hardness = 8.5 on Mohs Scale) and fascinating color-changing effect, this gemstone is highly preferred for making statement jewellery pieces.

Alexandrite Gemstone Benefits

Believed to be named after Russian ruler Alexander II, Alexandrite stone is counted amongst the world’s most highly valued gemstone. In crystal healing therapies also, this gemstone is revered for its strong healing properties and metaphysical powers. Some of the most important benefits of wearing Alexandrite gemstone are mentioned below.

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Boosts Creativity & Intellectual Powers

– Due to its pleasant green hue, many astrologers connect Alexandrite crystal with planet Mercury. According to them, Alexandrite brings the positive effects of this planet in the wearer’s life and helps them in dealing with confusions, creative blocks and poor judgement skills. Alexandrite metaphysical properties are known for enhancing the wearer’s intellectual abilities and thereby considered helpful in taking strong decisions in life.

Promotes Professional Success

– Amongst the various benefits of Alexandrite stone, success in business and career is one of the most significant ones. According to the belief, wearing an Alexandrite stone benefits the person to overcome professional instability and struggle for recognition. Fame, good luck and prosperity are believed to be bestowed on the wearer of this rare gemstone.

Heals Nervous Disorders

– In medical astrology, Alexandrite healing properties are considered quite effective for people suffering from nervous system disorders. According to the gem healers, Alexandrite promotes regeneration of nerve cells and can also provide relief from leukaemia and pancreases or spleen related issues.

Quality

Whether buying an Alexandrite to add a new jewellery piece in your collection or to gain its healing benefits, it is always important to invest your hard earned money in a good quality natural gemstone. According to the gem experts, the primary qualification for a Chrysoberyl to be considered Alexandrite is a distinct color change effect (or Alexandrite effect). However, origin, clarity and cut are also important factors that should be checked before making a purchase of the best quality Alexandrite.

Origin

– Alexandrite mines in Russia and India produce the finest quality gems. However, some good specimens also come from the mining locations of Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania and Madagascar. According to the traders, the natural Russian Alexandrite stones show the best color change effect but are increasingly rare and precious. Indian and Brazilian Alexandrite gems are the next most valuable varieties. Superior quality Alexandrite can also be found in Sri Lanka.

Strength of Color-change Effect

– Alexandrite colour is the most unique aspect of this gemstone. The way its color shifts from greenish tone (deep green, yellow-green, brownish green, bluish green, dark green) in daylight to reddish tone (deep red, brownish red, pinkish red, pinkish brown, purplish pink, purplish red, orangish pink etc.) in yellow lamp light is just phenomenal. Usually, the sharper and more vivid is the color shift, better is the quality. Too pale or excessive dark gemstone tend to be less desirable.

Clarity

– Alexandrite is transparent, Type II clarity gemstone which is expected to have some visible flaws. Inclusions in Alexandrite crystals usually occur in the form of mica platelets, rutile, multi-phase inclusions, fluorite and apatite crystals, fingerprints hollow tubes etc. The presence of these internal flaws at some notable locations and higher density can reduce the quality and value of the Alexandrite significantly in the market. Top grade Alexandrite is usually eye-clean or contain faded inclusions.

Uniqueness

– A rather rare and exclusive variety known as Alexandrite Cat’s eye is recognized for the breath-taking visual effects it exhibits on its surface. Due to the presence of rutile needles in parallel alignment, these pieces show ‘Color change effect’ as well as ‘Cats eye effect’ when viewed under direct light source. It is regarded as one of the most rare and majestic gemstones. For in-depth knowledge of this gemstone, read our Alexandrite Cats eye buying guide.

Cut – Due to its rare availability in natural, Alexandrite gems are faceted to bring the best color change effect without causing much weight loss. Highly customized Alexandrite in brilliant, square and cushion cut are less common and quite valuable whereas round and oval are relatively easy to find. Alexandrite gemstones with rutile inclusions are mostly cut and polished to form smooth cabochons to obtain a centrally placed cats eye effect.

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Alexandrite Prices

Alexandrite is regarded as a semi-precious gemstone but can fetch prices equivalent to a fine ruby or emerald. It is because Alexandrite gemstones are not just remarkably beauty but increasingly rare in nature. Alexandrite stone value in the market is determining by considering a variety of factors including its color change property, origin, clarity, cut and carat weight.

Note – Currently, the Alexandrite price in India starts from Rs 50,000 per carat ($770) but can reach as far as Rs 2, 00,000 per carat ($3075) for top grade gemstones. The prices in other countries such as US, UAE and UK may differ considerably due to the variation in supply and demand.

Buyer Beware: Gemstone Weights in India are often expressed in Ratti (e.g. – Alexandrite price per ratti). This system can be used to dupe customers who are not knowledgeable on how the conversion works. Read our guide to Understanding Gemstone Weights: Carats vs Ratti, and Don’t Get Fooled by Gemstone Prices in Ratti, instead of Carats!

Origin

– In the gemstone industry, Russian Alexandrite value remains the highest due to its quality, rarity and historical significance (first discovered here). Russian Alexandrite price per carat usually ranges between Rs 50,000 per carat ($770) to Rs 2, 00,000 per carat ($3075 and plus. Indian and Brazilian Alexandrite value is comparatively less despite being the second most sought-after variety. Click here buy Russian Alexandrite stone or Brazilian Alexandrite stone from us.

Color

– According to the gem specialist, the most precious Alexandrite stones tend to have pure shades and feature strong and distinctly visible change-of-color. Alexandrite value lowers for stones in lighter or excessively dark tone and minor color change. Alexandrite in pure green and red showing 100% color change are extremely rare and considered most valuable.

Clarity

– Clarity plays an important role in the assessment of the Alexandrite overall worth. Faceted stones with good transparency and minimum flaws are rare to find and hence Alexandrite cost for such fine quality pieces increase, dramatically. Alexandrite cabochons (round and oval non-faceted, polished gems) are usually opaque and fairly included but these imperfections can be ignored while pricing if the color change is significant.

Cut

– Shapes and cuts that save maximum carat weight without disturbing the beauty are preferred for valuable gemstone like Alexandrite. Round and ovals are always more affordable than the highly customized gem because they cause minimum weight loss. Unlike other gemstone, Alexandrite cabochons would also be considered quite valuable as long as color change is phenomenal.

Carat weight

– Size is always a matter of big concern while determining Alexandrite per carat value. A fine quality gemstone is extremely rare even above one carat. Therefore, Alexandrite price per carat increases exponentially for stones above one carat.

According to the Historians, Alexandrite meaning relates to a very interesting story. Alexandrite was named in the honor of Russian ruler Czar Alexandrite II, especially because this gemstone was discovered on his birthday. It is one of the most sought-after color changing variety of gemstone that is used for making precious designer jewellery and in healing therapies. Regarded as a mind-blowing combination of beauty and utility, Alexandrite can be a wonderful addition to your gemstone collection.

You can browse our exquisite collection of genuine Alexandrite available for sale at the most budget-friendly price. For a better understanding of its quality, price and benefits, you can read our comprehensive Alexandrite buying guide.

Alexandrite is quite a precious gemstone, therefore, must be purchased with utmost care. Getting a lab certified stone from a trusted Alexandrite wholesaler or retailer is the best way to ensure the quality and authenticity of your purchase. In the market, Alexandrite synthetic, lab created, or lab-made gems do exist. Therefore, it is always recommended to purchase an Alexandrite certified by an independent gem testing laboratory such as GIA, IGI, GIA, GRS, GII etc.

Whether buying Alexandrite online or from a local store, choosing the right dealer is the most crucial aspect. Buying a valuable gem from a fraudulent dealer may lead to some unpleasant surprises and significant loss of money. Therefore, we always advise buyers to purchase valuable gems like Alexandrite from a supplier that provide lab certificates and high-quality photos and videos for a better understanding of the quality and authenticity.

At GemPundit, we deal in 100% natural, lab certified Alexandrite gemstone that one can buy at highly reasonable prices. Our highly qualified Gem Experts will provide your guidance throughout your journey of buying a natural Alexandrite that you always to get for yourself. Contact us now!